FSUPD debunks 'rape tunnel' stigma

Apr. 4, 2013

Written by

Blair Stokes

Senior Staff Writer

An assaulting moniker has loomed over Florida State’s tunnel system for decades. The pervasive term “rape tunnel” has been applied to both pedestrian tunnels on campus: the first under Tennessee Street servicing DeGraff Hall, and the second running below Pensacola Street. The tunnels’ stigmas aren’t explicitly associated with any particular incident, and the origins of its nickname are uncertain.

FSUPD’s Deputy Chief of Police Major Jim Russell recalled hearing talk of the tunnels during his time as an FSU student in the late ’80s.

“There have always been rumors, or campus lore, that crimes happen more often in the tunnels or in the tunnel areas than other places on or around campus,” Russell said. “But the data just doesn’t back that up.”

Though the tunnels are shrouded in dark urban legend, in reality, they are relatively well-lit, equipped with blue-light call boxes and convex mirrors, and monitored by FSUPD surveillance cameras.

For all the rumors, concern about the safety of the tunnels has garnered disproportionately more attention compared to other locations on campus, especially compared to the safety parking lots, in which more crime occurs annually.

Russell cited both a sense of isolation and the psychological turmoil of having diminished escape routes as possible causes of fear for traveling by tunnel.

And while the two tunnels can seem menacing, particularly at night, there is actually very little data to support their dangerous reputation.

According to data provided and compiled by FSUPD, DeGraff’s tunnel has seen only four reported criminal incidents over an approximate five year period (2008-2013), with one robbery in 2009, another robbery in 2010 and two cases of theft in 2012.

These figures only consider reported incidents. Over this five year span, this tunnel had zero reported incidents of rape, battery or assault.

The Pensacola Street tunnel has seen even fewer reported crimes, maintaining an incident-free record from 2008-2013 until late last month.

On March 19, an FSU student was robbed at gun point by three male suspects on the ramp leading to the Pensacola Street tunnel from Stadium Drive. The student surrendered his belongings, the suspects then fled on foot and the student was unharmed. Tallahassee PD took over the case and the investigation is ongoing.

Incidents of violent crime in the tunnels such as this are a rarity; yet, the resurgence of just enough crime keeps the rumors alive, Russell said. Annually, FSUPD sees a total of anywhere from 12 to 14 reports of robbery on campus, Russell continued.

“It’s not to say that there have never been robberies or things happening there, because there have been,” Russell said. “It’s just not happening at a greater rate than anywhere else.”

Although the tunnels’ stigma seems to lack significant statistical justification, Russell stressed that this shouldn’t provoke complacency. Since the crime is not confined to tunnels, he instead advocates constant awareness of surroundings not only in the tunnels, but also throughout campus and the surrounding area.

Russell suggested making use of precautionary measures such as the buddy system, as groups are less likely to be approached. Students should also be wary of blind corners, walking at a wider angle to see further ahead.

“You should stay vigilant wherever you are,” Russell said. “Don’t think the only places you need to be vigilant are the tunnels.”

Freshman Alexis Galmin said she regularly uses the DeGraff tunnel, often preferring the tunnel as opposed to the crosswalk on the street above, even at night.

“I’m not concerned about it,” Galmin said of the tunnel’s safety. “I’d be more concerned about standing on the side of Tennessee Street, because you have to walk across such a busy street.”

Galmin’s only complaint regarding using the tunnel for transport was that when it rains, the metal drainage grate at the tunnel’s exit gets slippery. Galmin said that she had previously heard the “rape tunnel” rumors and discounted them, though she is still cautious.

Jasmyne Flournoy, a sophomore living in DeGraff, is more skeptical of the tunnel’s safety. Flournoy uses the tunnel at least five times a day as the most convenient means of getting to campus. She cites that its safety could be improved by better lighting in particular.

“I think better lighting would solve a lot of problems,” she said, speaking of her uncertainty of her surroundings at night. “I mean, people could still rob me if it was well lit but at least they would think about it first.”

Russell said if students have any concern regarding broken light fixtures or broken mirrors in the tunnels, students should bring this to FSUPD’s attention, and they will work to rectify the situation, implementing as many safety measures as possible.

Rumor control is more difficult to implement, however, and Flournoy, like many FSU students, had heard of the tunnel’s supposed sordid reputation. She said that although the tunnel can at times be scary, it’s a fear she’s adapted to.

“More often than not, I will see some sketchy people trying to make their way across Tennessee Street via that tunnel,” Flournoy said. “I’ve acclimated to it and now it’s just a part of my day, but not a friendly part of my day.”

The psychological elements, coupled with the reality of crimes, granted they are infrequent, is just enough to sustain the legend of FSU’s tunnels and Russell said it’s natural that stories of the tunnels tend to get embellished.

“They could build a third tunnel tomorrow,” Russell said, “and that tunnel might be around for six months and soon have a legend that robberies have been happening there for ten years.”